Gas trap with gas analyzer system for continuous gas analysis

ABSTRACT

A gas trap with a gas analyzer for continuous gas analysis can include a sample chamber, means for agitating and creating a vortex, gas capturing chamber for receiving liberated gas, gas analyzer for providing real-time gas speciation of the liberated gas. A suction pump can pull the liberated fluid, a filtration means can condition the liberated fluid, and an exhaust port can exhaust analyzed fluid. An exhaust line can flow non-analyzed fluid to a drilling fluid storage chamber, drilling fluid stream, or both.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claim priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/625,384 filed on Apr. 17,2012, entitled “GAS TRAP WITH GAS ANALYZER AND COMPUTER INSTRUCTIONS.”This reference is hereby incorporation in its entirety.

FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to a gas trap with a gasanalyzer and computer instructions for continuous gas analysis.

BACKGROUND

A need exists for a gas trap with a gas analyzer and computerinstructions for continuous gas analysis for use with natural gas wells,oil wells, and other wells that can potentially emit at least some gasesor vapors.

A need exists for a gas trap with a gas analyzer and computerinstructions for continuous gas analysis that can analyze high pressuredrilling fluid streams, while simultaneously providing for a quick andaccurate analysis of a homogenous mixture of a drilling fluid stream.

A need exists for a gas trap with a gas analyzer and computerinstructions for continuous gas analysis that enables workers proximateto a drilling site to be immediately aware of a presence of combustiblegases, such as hydrogen gas; thereby allowing the workers to takeprecautionary measures to prevent explosions or loss of life.

A need exists for a gas trap with a gas analyzer and computerinstructions for continuous gas analysis for sampling gases and vaporsvia a modular gas capturing component that is easy to manufacture,repair, and install in the field.

A need exists for a gas trap with a gas analyzer and computerinstructions for continuous gas analysis with a gas capturing componentthat is strong, able to stand up independently, and able to withstandphysical impacts in the field.

A need exists for a gas trap with a gas analyzer and computerinstructions for continuous gas analysis that can be remotely monitoredand controlled, such as in areas with terrorist activity; therebyreducing a potential for harm to workers.

The present embodiments meet these needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 depicts the drilling rig having continuous gas analysis accordingto one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts a detail of a gas trap and a gas analyzer systemaccording to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts a motorized gas analyzer system according to one or moreembodiments.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C depict detail views of a portion of a means foragitating and creating a vortex according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a detail of a portion of a filtration means according toone or more embodiments.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a detail of a controller according to one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a client device according to one or more embodiments.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a remote controller according to one or moreembodiments.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listedFigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the present system in detail, it is to be understoodthat the system is not limited to the particular embodiments and that itcan be practiced or carried out in various ways.

The present embodiments relate to a gas trap with a gas analyzer andcomputer instructions for continuous gas analysis.

The gas trap with a gas analyzer and computer instructions can be usedon a drilling rig, which can be a land based rig, a semisubmersible rig,a portable rig with self-propulsion, a skid mounted rig, a jack-up rig,a tension leg platform rig, a drilling ship rig, a deep draft cassionvessel rig, a rotary drilling rig, a single or simultaneously duallifting drilling rig, or the like.

In one or more embodiments, the drilling rig can be configured forpneumatic drilling, foam drilling, oil based mud drilling, water basedmud drilling, or hydraulic drilling.

The drilling rig can have a drill bit for drilling a wellbore through aformation. The wellbore can be for an oil well, a gas well, a waterwell, or another well.

The drilling rig can have a substructure for supporting the drilling rigabove a surface, such as the ground. The drilling rig can include abase, which can be connected with the substructure.

The drilling rig can include a mast, which can be connected with thebase. The mast can be a derrick.

The drilling rig can include a pipe handler engaged on the substructure.

The drilling rig can include a mud pump, which can be disposed below thesubstructure, such as on the surface. A drilling rig power source, suchas a generator, can be in communication with the mud pump for providingpower thereto.

The drilling rig can include drawworks disposed on the base andconnected with cabling on the mast. A rotating head can be connectedwith the cabling and a blowout preventer.

A drill string can engage the blowout preventer and extend into thewellbore. The drill bit can be engaged with the drill string fordrilling the wellbore.

The drilling rig can include a rig server having a rig processor and rigdata storage for implementing rig operations. The rig server can be incommunication with a network.

The network can be a satellite network, the internet, a cellularnetwork, a combination of local area networks, a combination of widearea networks, another digital or analog network, a rig WellsiteInformation Transfer Specification (WITS) communication network, aninfrared communication network, a radio frequency communication network,another global communication network, or the like.

The drilling rig can include piping in fluid communication between theblowout preventer and the gas analyzer system for providing real-timemeasurement of a concentration of gases in the drilling fluid.

The gas analyzer system can be a motorized gas analyzer system,non-motorized gas analyzer system, or combinations thereof.

Real-time measurements taken by the gas analyzer system can includecontinuously or continually updated measurements. In one or moreembodiments, each real-time measurement can be performed from aboutevery five seconds to about every one minute, and can be continuouslyprovided to a controller of the gas analyzer.

The concentration of the gases can be a concentration of dry gases, andcan be measured in parts per million, parts per billion, a volumetric orweight percentage of individual gases relative to a total amount ofliberated fluid, or another unit.

In one or more embodiments, the gases can be methane, ethane, propane,isobutane, butane, pentane, isopentane, neopentane, carbon dioxide,carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbon gas,hydrogen sulfide, helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, or combinationsthereof.

The drilling fluid can include liquids with entrained gases, oil basedmuds, water based muds, other drilling muds from the wellbore, water,air with entrained gases resulting from air drilling, other gaseouscarriers entrained with gases resulting from air drilling, liquid andgas mixtures, vapor and gas mixtures, mixtures of gases, particulate andgas mixtures, or combinations thereof.

The gas analyzer system can include a sample chamber, such as amanifold. The sample chamber can have one or more sample inlets and oneor more sample outlets. For example, the sample chamber can have onesample inlet and two sample outlets.

The sample chamber can be made of polymer, steel, aluminum, or any metalor metal alloy.

The sample inlets and sample outlets can be in fluid communication withthe drilling fluid stream, such as piping, to receive samples of thedrilling fluid therefrom. In operation, the drilling fluid can flow viathe drilling fluid stream through the sample inlet and into the samplechamber. The drilling fluid stream can have any flow rate.

The gas analyzer system can include a means for agitating and creating avortex in the drilling fluid for liberating a portion of the drillingfluid from the sample chamber, forming a liberated fluid.

The means for agitating and creating a vortex can be disposed in thesample chamber or can be formed by the sample chamber. The means foragitating and creating a vortex can include the one or more sampleoutlets in the sample chamber, a direct current brushless motor, apneumatic motor, an alternating current induction motor, a variablespeed motor, an outlet with a regulated fluid level feature, or thelike.

The gas analyzer system can include a gas capturing chamber in fluidcommunication with the sample chamber for receiving the liberated fluidfrom the sample chamber during agitation of the drilling fluid. Forexample, agitation via the means for agitating and creating a vortex cancause at least a portion of the gases, liquid, or combinations thereofin the drilling fluid to escape therefrom as the liberated fluid.

The gas capturing chamber can be made of polymer, steel, aluminum, orany metal or metal alloy.

The gas analyzer system can include a gas analyzer in fluidcommunication with the gas capturing chamber. The gas analyzer can beconfigured to provide real-time gas speciation of the liberated fluid.For example, the gas analyzer can be a gas chromatograph; a total gasanalyzer; total hydrocarbon analyzer; totalizer; another instrumentconfigured to measure different specific gases, such as carbon dioxideor hydrogen sulfide; another analytical instrument configured todetermine speciation of gases; or the like.

In operation, the liberated fluid can flow into the gas capturingchamber and into the gas analyzer, allowing the gas analyzer to detect aspeciation of the liberated fluid.

The gas analyzer system can include a suction pump, such as a 100 poundsper square inch (psi) suction pump, in fluid communication with the gasanalyzer for pulling the liberated fluid from the sample chamber andinto the gas analyzer. The suction pump can pump the liberated fluid ata flow rate ranging from about 1 standard cubic feet per hour (scfh) toabout 10 scfh.

The gas analyzer system can include a filtration means in fluidcommunication between the gas capturing chamber and the gas analyzer.The filtration means can include desiccant chambers with calciumchloride, silica gel, DRIERITE®, or the like.

The gas analyzer system can include an exhaust port on the gas analyzerfor releasing an analyzed fluid therefrom. The analyzed fluid can bereleased to the atmosphere or a containment tank. The analyzed fluid canbe the liberated fluid that has been analyzed by the gas analyzer toproduce the real-time gas speciation thereof.

The gas analyzer system can include an exhaust line on the gas capturingchamber for flowing a non-analyzed fluid from the gas capturing chamberto a drilling fluid storage chamber, back into the drilling fluidstream, or combinations thereof. The drilling fluid storage chamber canbe a pit, possum belly, storage tank, ditch, or the like. Thenon-analyzed fluid can flow from the gas capturing chamber at any rate.

In operation, a sample of the drilling fluid can be captured from thewellbore at a point in which the drilling fluid is homogenously mixed,and the liberated fluid, which can be a gas, liquid, or combinationsthereof, can be formed therefrom.

The gas capturing chamber can receive the drilling fluid withoutrequiring any pre-filtering or pretreatment of the drilling fluid in thedrilling fluid stream.

The filtering means can condition the liberated fluid, includingremoving moisture, contaminates, particulates, or combinations thereoffrom the liberated fluid. The filtering means can remove particulateshaving a diameter greater than five microns from the liberated fluid.

In one or more embodiments, the liberated fluid can be conditioned bydesiccating moisture from a fluid conduit, mist separating using amechanical separator, cooling using a heat exchanger, anotherconditioning means, or combinations thereof.

The gas capturing chamber can receive the liberated fluid from thefiltering means through tubing, such as ¼ inch clear tubing having a ⅜inch outer diameter and a length ranging from about 50 feet to about 75feet.

The gas analyzer can analyze the liberated fluid to form measured gasvalues that indicate the speciation of the liberated fluid. Thespeciation can include an identification of elemental or chemicalcomponents, such as an identification of C-1 to C-5 hydrocarbons, carbondioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, helium, hydrogen, oxygen,nitrogen, argon, other gaseous elements or molecules compounds typicallyfound in drilling fluid streams, or combinations thereof.

The rig server, controller, or combinations thereof can transmit themeasured gas values over the network to one or more client devices,which can be laptop computers, desktop computers, tablet computers,other computers, cellular phones, or the like.

Computer instructions on the client devices can allow the client devicesto connect with the controller or a remote controller in communicationwith the controller to remotely monitor and control the gas analyzersystem.

In one or more embodiments, the remote controller can be a pendantstation that is in wired or wireless communication with the controller.

Each client device can have a client device processor in communicationwith a client device data storage having computer instructions topresent an executive dashboard thereon.

The executive dashboard can provide for remote monitoring and control ofthe gas analyzer system. The client devices can enable users tosimultaneously and remotely monitor and control multiple gas analyzersystems disposed at multiple locations via the executive dashboard.

The client devices can be used to receive, view, and store the measuredgas values and other analysis information related to the liberatedfluid, drilling fluid, and gas analyzer system. The client devices canalso be used to provide control commands to the controller.

The rig server can be in communication with the network. The rig servercan be located on or proximate the drilling rig, and can store anddisplay on-demand analysis information related to the drilling fluid,liberated fluid, and gas analyzer system.

In one or more embodiments, the rig server can be a server, laptopcomputer, desktop computer, tablet computer, another computer, cellularphone, personal digital assistant, right mount server, programmablelogic controller, or combinations thereof.

The rig server can include a rig processor in communication with a rigdata storage, such as a hard drive, portable hard drive, flash drive, orother storage medium.

In one or more embodiments, the rig data storage can include computerinstructions to provide an alarm to workers proximate to the drillingrig when analyzed gas samples show concentrations of components of thedrilling fluid exceed preset limits.

The rig data storage can include computer instructions for broadcastinganalysis information on components of the drilling fluid to one or moredisplays proximate the workers at the drilling rig, to client devicesassociated with each worker, to client devices associated with firstresponders, to client devices associated with other users, to the remotecontrol, or combinations thereof.

In embodiments, the rig server can simultaneously transmit analysisinformation through two different gateway protocols via two differentnetworks, such as a satellite network and a cellular data network.

In one or more embodiments, flow of the liberated fluid can be reversed,such that the gas capturing chamber flows the liberated fluid back intothe drilling fluid stream. For example, if the gas capturing chamber isclogged, reversing the flow of the liberated fluid can unclog the gascapturing chamber. Reversing the flow of the liberated fluid can be doneremotely or locally.

In embodiments, a valve, such as a four-way valve, can be disposedproximate a top of the gas capturing chamber for reversing the flow ofthe liberated fluid.

In operation, when the four-way valve is in an off position, the gascapturing chamber can be in fluid communication with the gas analyzer,such that the liberated fluid flows from the gas capturing chamber intothe gas analyzer.

When the four-way valve is in an on position, the gas capturing chambercan be in fluid communication with a compressed air source or ambientair, such that compressed air or ambient air can flow into the gascapturing chamber towards the drilling fluid stream; thereby uncloggingthe gas capturing chamber.

In one or more embodiments, an electronic relay can be in communicationwith the four-way valve and the controller. The electronic relay can beprogrammed to move the four-way valve between the on position and theoff position at predefined time intervals for unclogging the gascapturing chamber.

The electronic relay can be in communication with the client devicesthrough the network, such that users can remotely turn the four-wayvalve to the on position and the off position. The electronic relay canbe manually actuated at the drilling site.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts the drilling rig havingcontinuous gas analysis according to one or more embodiments.

A drilling rig 300 can have a substructure 301 for supporting a base 302connected with the substructure 301. The base 302 can support a mast 303connected with the base 302.

A pipe handler 304 can be disposed on a portion of the drilling rig 300,such as on the substructure 301.

A mud pump 305 can be disposed below the substructure 301 forcirculating drilling fluid. A drilling rig power source 311 can be incommunication with the mud pump 305 for providing power thereto.

The drilling rig 300 can have drawworks 306 on the base 302. Thedrawworks 306 can be connected with cabling 310 in the mast 303. Thedrilling rig 300 can include a rotating head 33 connected with thecabling 310 and a blowout preventer 312.

A drill string 308 can engage the blowout preventer 312 and extend intoa wellbore 3. A drill bit 11 can be engaged with the drill string 308for drilling the wellbore 3 through a formation 313.

A rig server 64 for implementing rig operations can be in communicationwith a network 46. The rig server 64 can have a rig processor 6 and arig data storage 7.

A drilling fluid conduit 14, such as piping, can be in fluidcommunication between the blowout preventer 312 and a portion of a gasanalyzer system 5 for providing real-time measurement of a concentrationof gases in the drilling fluid using a first gas analyzer 22 a. The gasanalyzer system 5 can be a non-motorized gas analyzer system.

In operation, a user can receive real-time measurements from the gasanalyzer system 5, such as once a second or once every four seconds.

One or more client devices 44 a and 44 b can be in communication withthe rig server 64, a portion of the gas analyzer system 5, orcombinations thereof through the network 46, allowing users 45 a and 45b to remotely monitor and control the gas analyzer system 5.

The users 45 a and 45 b can use the client devices 44 a and 44 b tosimultaneously access the real-time measurements continually, 24 hours aday and 7 days a week.

The users 45 a and 45 b can also simultaneously access and viewhistorical data and updated real-time measurements using the clientdevices 44 a and 44 b.

The client devices 44 a and 44 b can provide the users 45 a and 45 bwith graphical representations, digital representations, or combinationsthereof of the historical data, the updated real-time measurements, orcombinations thereof.

The historical data can include previously taken measurements from thegas analyzer system 5, and the updated real-time measurements caninclude the most recently taken measurements from the gas analyzersystem 5.

In operation, the gas analyzer system 5 can perform calculations onsensed data multiple times per second for greater accuracy and timeresolution.

One or more embodiments of the drilling rig 300 can include a second gasanalyzer 22 b in communication with a motorized gas analyzer system 41configured to be remotely controlled for real-time measurement of theconcentration of the gases in the drilling fluid. The motorized gasanalyzer system 41 can be in communication with the network 46 and influid communication with the drilling fluid conduit 14. For example, themotorized gas analyzer system 41 can be disposed in a possum belly.

The gas analyzers 22 a and 22 b can each be motorized, non-motorized, orcombinations thereof.

In one or more embodiments, a remote controller 74 can be in wired orwireless communication with the gas analyzer system 5 and the motorizedgas analyzer system 41, such as through the network 46, for remotelycontrolling the gas analyzer system 5 and the motorized gas analyzersystem 41.

FIG. 2 depicts a detail of the gas trap and gas analyzer systemaccording to one or more embodiments.

The gas trap 4 and gas analyzer system 5 can include a sample chamber 10a. The sample chamber 10 a can have a sample inlet 12.

The gas trap can capture gas samples from the gas capturing chamber andremove moisture from the gas sampled by the gas trap and gas analyzersystem.

The sample inlet 12 can be in fluid communication with the drillingfluid conduit 14, which can be the piping from the drilling rig.

In operation, a drilling fluid 8 can flow from the drilling fluidconduit 14 into the sample inlet 12 and into the sample chamber 10 a.The drilling fluid 8 can flow in the drilling fluid conduit 14 at apressure of up to about 1000 psi.

The gas analyzer system 5 can include means for agitating and creating avortex 39 a and 39 b, which can be return piping in fluid communicationwith the drilling fluid conduit 14, such as sample outlets of the samplechamber 10 a.

The means for agitating and creating a vortex 39 a and 39 b can operateto form a vortex in the drilling fluid 8 within the sample chamber 10 a,which can separate a portion of gas therefrom, forming a liberated fluid20.

The liberated fluid 20 can flow from the sample chamber 10 a through avalve 72, while the remaining drilling fluid 8 can flow back into thedrilling fluid conduit 14 via the means for agitating and creating avortex 39 a and 39 b.

The valve 72 can be in communication with the controller 34 for closingoff the sample chamber 10 a upon command.

During agitation of the drilling fluid 8, the liberated fluid 20 canflow from the valve 72 through a t-fitting 43 and into a gas capturingchamber 18, or through the t-fitting 43 and into an exhaust line 30 forflowing a non-analyzed fluid 31 to a drilling fluid storage chamber 32,back into the drilling fluid conduit 14, or both. The non-analyzed fluid31 can be portions of the liberated fluid 20 that are not analyzed bythe gas analyzer system 5. The drilling fluid storage chamber 32 can bea pit, possum belly, storage tank, ditch, or the like.

In one or more embodiments, a venturi nozzle 35 can be on the exhaustline 30 for flowing the non-analyzed fluid 31 from the gas capturingchamber 18 to the drilling fluid storage chamber 32, drilling fluidconduit 14, or both.

A suction pump 23 can be in fluid communication between the gascapturing chamber 18 and a gas analyzer 22. The suction pump 23 can pullthe liberated fluid 20 from the gas capturing chamber 18 and into thegas analyzer 22.

A semipermeable membrane 21 can be disposed between the suction pump 23and the gas capturing chamber 18, such as within a portion of the gascapturing chamber 18, to provide additional filtering to the liberatedfluid 20. The semipermeable membrane 21 can be made of a materialconfigured to separate water or vapor from the liberated fluid 20, suchas a thin film composite membrane, which can be constructed from two ormore layers of materials.

A filtration means 24 can be in fluid communication between the gascapturing chamber 18 and the gas analyzer 22 for conditioning theliberated fluid 20. Conditioning the liberated fluid 20 can includedrying the liberated fluid 20 and removing particulates and othercontaminates from the liberated fluid 20.

The gas analyzer 22 can be in fluid communication with the gas capturingchamber 18 and configured to provide real-time gas speciation of theliberated fluid 20.

An exhaust port 26 on the gas analyzer 22 can release an analyzed fluid28 therefrom.

The controller 34 can be in communication with the gas analyzer 22 forcontrolling the gas analyzer 22.

A power supply 49 can be in communication with the controller 34, thegas analyzer 22, and the suction pump 23 for providing power thereto.The power supply 49 can be a 120 volt power source, a solar powersource, an AC/DC switching power supply, a generator, a wind turbine, oranother power supply.

The controller 34 can be in communication with the network forcommunicating with the rig server, the client devices, the remotecontroller, the motorized gas analyzer system, or combinations thereof.

One or more embodiments can include a sensor 68 disposed adjacent thesample inlet 12 and in communication with the controller 34 forproviding sensor values to the controller 34. The sensor 68 can be aflow sensor, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, sensor configured tomeasure viscosity of the drilling fluid 8, sensor configured to measurea percent of solids in the drilling fluid 8, or another type of sensor.

The controller 34 can use the sensor values to determine when the valve72 needs to be shut, such as in emergencies. For example, when thesensor 68 is a pressure sensor the controller 34 can determine that thevalve 72 needs to be shut when an over-pressurization exists; therebystopping flow of the liberated gas 20 into the gas capturing chamber 18.

One or more embodiments can include a fluid level sensor 25 disposedbetween the suction pump 23 and the filtration means 24, and incommunication with the controller 34 for sensing when liquid in theliberated fluid 20 rises above a preset limit. The fluid level sensor 25can be adjacent the filtration means 24. The fluid level sensor 25 cantransmit sensed fluid level values to the controller 34.

For example, the fluid level sensor 25 can include a chamber configuredto collect fluid from the liberated fluid 20, and when the liquidcollected from the liberated fluid 20 reaches the preset limit the fluidlevel sensor 25 can transmit a signal to the controller 34. Thecontroller 34 can then open an ambient air valve 19 for drawing inambient air instead of allowing flow of the liberated fluid 20 from thegas capturing chamber 18.

The ambient air valve 19 can be in fluid communication between the gascapturing chamber 18 and the suction pump 23. As such, liquid in theliberated fluid 20 can be prevented from flowing into the gas analyzer22; thereby avoiding damage to the gas analyzer 22.

FIG. 3 depicts the motorized gas analyzer system according to one ormore embodiments.

The motorized gas analyzer system 41 can include the sample chamber 10 bhaving the means for agitating and creating a vortex 39 c. The means foragitating and creating a vortex 39 c can include a motor 214 connectedwith an agitator shaft 216.

In one or more embodiments, the motor 214 can be a direct currentbrushless motor, a pneumatic motor, an alternating current inductionmotor, a variable speed motor, or the like.

The means for agitating and creating a vortex 39 c can include a spout 9with a regulated fluid level feature, such as a ballast tank 15 underpositive pressure for regulating a fluid level of the drilling fluid 8.The spout 9 can allow the drilling fluid 8 to exit the sample chamber 10b when the drilling fluid 8 rises above a preset limit.

In one or more embodiments, the means for agitating and creating avortex 39 c can be housed in an explosion-proof housing 59.

A lifting device 91, such as a motorized lifting device or agitatorstand, can be attached to a portion of the motorized gas analyzer system41 and to a tank 100 within which the motorized gas analyzer system 41is disposed. The tank 100 can be the drilling fluid storage chamber,pit, possum belly, storage tank, ditch, or the like.

The lifting device 91 can operate to raise and lower the sample chamber10 b, the motor 214, and the agitator shaft 216 to ensure that thedrilling fluid 8 in the sample chamber 10 b is at a proper level forliberation of the gases therefrom; thereby providing for consistent andconstant analysis of the liberated fluid 20. For example, the liftingdevice 91 can include a crank for raising and lowering the samplechamber 10 b.

The motorized gas analyzer system 41 can include the gas analyzer 22 bin fluid communication therewith for analyzing the liberated fluid 20.

The controller 34 can have an up/down button 87 for communicating withthe lifting device 91 to raise and lower the sample chamber 10 b. Thecontroller 34 can be housed in a bullet-proof and water-tight housing61, which can be made of steel or the like.

FIG. 4A depicts a detail view of a portion of the means for agitatingand creating a vortex according to one or more embodiments.

The motor 214 can be engaged with the agitator shaft 216 a. The motor214 can be partially inserted into the agitator shaft 216 a, such aswithin an inner chamber 220 of the agitator shaft 216 a.

The inner chamber 220 can be configured to receive a portion of themotor 214, allowing the motor 214 to rotate the agitator shaft 216 a.

The agitator shaft 216 a can have one or more pairs of blades 218 a, 218b, 218 c, 218 d, 218 e, and 218 f. The blades 218 a and 218 b can form apair of blades, the blades 218 c and 218 d can form a pair of blades,and the blades 218 e and 218 f can form a pair of blades.

Each pair of blades can be offset from adjacent pairs of blades byninety degrees. For example, the pair of blades 218 c and 218 d can beoffset from the pair of blades 218 a and 218 b by ninety degrees andfrom the pair of blades 218 e and 218 f by ninety degrees. Each blade218 a-218 f can be a rubber or metal cylinder.

FIG. 4B depicts a detail view of a portion of the means for agitatingand creating a vortex according to one or more embodiments.

The motor 214 can be engaged with the agitator shaft 216 b, such aswithin the inner chamber 220 of the agitator shaft 216 b.

The agitator shaft 216 b can have one or more blades 218 g, 218 h, and218 i, which can be formed in a crow's foot configuration. Each blade218 g-218 i can be a rubber or metal cylinder.

FIG. 4C depicts a detail view of a portion of the means for agitatingand creating a vortex according to one or more embodiments.

The motor 214 can be engaged with the agitator shaft 216 c, such aswithin an inner chamber 220 of the agitator shaft 216 c.

The agitator shaft 216 c can have one or more blades 218 j, 218 k, 2181,and 218 m arranged in a pitch fork configuration. Each blade 218 j-218 mcan be a rubber or metal cylinder.

FIG. 5 depicts a portion of the filtration means according to one ormore embodiments.

The filtration means can include a cooler/dryer 200 configured torefrigerate the liberated fluid 20 a, causing condensed liquid 1 to dropout from the liberated fluid 20 a.

The cooler/dryer 200 can include a housing 201 with an inlet 202 forreceiving the liberated fluid 20 a from the sample chamber, such as whenthe liberated fluid 20 a is at an elevated temperature.

A cooling coil 206, which can be made of copper, can be in fluidcommunication with the inlet 202, allowing the liberated fluid 20 a toenter the cooling coil 206 and cool while the liberated fluid 20 apasses to a drop out chamber 208. The cooling coil 206 can have a lengthsufficient to allow the liberated fluid 20 a to cool enough to allowwater or other liquids to condense therefrom.

The drop out chamber 208 can receive cooled liberated fluid 20 b and thecondensed liquid 1 therefrom.

A dry gas out 212 can allow the liberated fluid 20 b to pass from thedrop out chamber 208 to the gas analyzer.

One or more embodiments can include a maintenance valve arrangement 2,such as a four way valve or a combination of valves. The maintenancevalve arrangement 2 can be opened to allow the liberated fluid 20 b toflow via a first flow path 4 a and allow the condensed liquid 1 tocollect in the drop out chamber 208.

The maintenance valve arrangement 2 can be closed to allow the liberatedfluid 20 b to flow via a second flow path 4 b to bypass the drop outchamber 208, allowing the drop out chamber 208 to be drained.

The drop out chamber 208 can have a drain valve 16 for draining thecondensed liquid 1 and an air valve 17 for receiving ambient orpressurized air to allow flow of the condensed liquid 1 from the dropout chamber 208.

FIGS. 6A-6B depict a detail of the controller according to one or moreembodiments.

The controller 34 can include a processor 36 in communication with adata storage 38.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions to comparemeasured gas values in the gas analyzer to preset limits stored in thedata storage, forming compared gas values 40.

The measured gas values 51, preset limits 55 a, and compared gas values57 can be stored in the data storage 38.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions to transmitcompared gas values from the controller to a client device over thenetwork 42.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions to remotelyoperate the gas analyzer using the controller from a location distant tothe gas analyzer 48.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions to turn on and offthe gas analyzer 50.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions to initiate a gasanalysis test with a sample of the liberated fluid from the samplechamber to provide the real-time gas speciation 52.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions to initiate aleak/integrity test to provide an instrument check by injecting a smallamount of a non-combustible detectable hydrocarbon gas at a low rate offlow into the sample chamber to determine if a predetermined value fromthe gas analyzer is achieved for verifying integrity of the gas analyzersystem, including an absence of leaks in the gas analyzer system 53.

The non-combustible detectable hydrocarbon gas can be methane, propane,other gases, or mixtures thereof. The leak/integrity test can beimplemented using 10 pound or 20 pound bottles of the non-combustibledetectable hydrocarbon gas, or any other sized bottle.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions to calibrate thegas analyzer to zero or span 54.

For example, a client input value with a known value of gas can be usedto calibrate the gas analyzer.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions to overrideoperation of the gas analyzer via the controller 56.

For example, the gas analyzer can be overridden for safety duringreplacement of sensors.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions to change units ofmeasurement of the gas analyzer 58.

For example, the units can be changed between parts per million, partsper billion, percent by weight, percent by volume, or the like.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions to control sampleflow into the gas analyzer using measured flow rates, and to compare themeasured flow rates to preset limits 60.

For example, the sample flow can be controlled by opening, closing, oradjusting one or more valves.

The measured flow rates 73 and the preset limits 55 b can be stored inthe data storage 38.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions to configure thecontroller to enable or disable a satellite communication when asatellite communication on/off button is actuated 63.

For example, the satellite communication on/off button can be actuatedon the remote controller.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions to configure thecontroller to enable or disable a communication to a local area networkwhen a local area network on/off button is actuated 65.

For example, the local area network on/off button can be actuated on theremote controller.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions to configure thecontroller to enable or disable a rig WITS communication when a WITScommunication on/off button is actuated 69.

For example, the WITS communication on/off button can be actuated on theremote controller.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions for providing analarm to the client device when the measured gas values exceed thepreset limits 66.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions to receive sensorvalues, compare the sensor values to preset limits, and provide anautomated shut down of the gas analyzer system when the sensor valuesexceed the preset limits 77.

For example, the gas analyzer system can be automatically shut down byclosing one or more valves in response to sensor values.

The sensor values 85 and the preset limits 55 c can be stored in thedata storage 38.

The data storage 38 can include computer instructions to prevent thedrilling fluid from entering the gas capturing chamber and entering thegas analyzer when the sensed fluid level values exceed the preset limit71.

For example, the drilling fluid can be prevented from entering the gascapturing chamber and the gas analyzer by closing the ambient air valve.The sensed fluid levels 27 and the preset limits 55 d can be stored inthe data storage 38.

FIG. 7 depicts the client device according to one or more embodiments.

The client device 44 can include a client device processor 47 incommunication with a client device data storage 37.

The client device data storage 37 can include computer instructions toconfigure the client device to communicate with a plurality ofcontrollers for controlling a plurality of gas analyzers, providing forsimultaneous monitoring and controlling thereof 62.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict the remote controller according to one or moreembodiments.

The remote controller 74 can include a remote control processor 89 and atransceiver 90 in communication with the remote control processor 89.

The transceiver 90 can be configured to communicate with the controller,such as through the network. In one or more embodiments, the transceiver90 can be an infrared communication device, a client server device, acellular communication device, a radio frequency communication device,or an internet based communication device.

The remote controller 74 can include a remote control power supply 88,such as a battery.

The remote controller 74 can include buttons configured to communicatewith the controller via the transceiver 90 for executing the computerinstructions in the data storage of the controller.

The buttons on the remote controller 74 can include a remote on/offbutton 75 configured to turn on and off the remote controller 74; anon/off button 76 configured to initiate operation of the means foragitating and creating a vortex; an on/off gas analyzer button 77 forturning the gas analyzer on and off; a start gas analysis button 78 forinitiating the real-time gas speciation; a start leak/integrity testbutton 79 for initiating a leak integrity test; a start calibration tozero button 80 for initiating calibration of the gas analyzer at zero; astart calibration to span button 81 for initiating calibration of thegas analyzer to span; a safety override button 82 for shutting the gasanalyzer system down by closing one or more valves; a change outputunits of measure button 84 for changing units of measurement of the gasanalyzer; a control sample flow button 86 for opening, closing, oradjusting one or more valves to control flow of the liberated fluid; asatellite communication on/off button 92 for enabling or disabling asatellite communication; a local area network on/off button 94 forenabling or disabling communication with a local area network; and aWITS communication on/off button 96 for enabling or disabling a rig WITScommunication.

The rig WITS communication can be used for connecting WITS software fortransfer of data from the gas analyzer to the rig server.

While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on theembodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of theappended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than asspecifically described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gas trap with a gas analyzer system in fluidcommunication with a drilling fluid stream for real-time measurement ofa concentration of gases in a drilling fluid, wherein the gas analyzersystem comprises: a. a sample chamber comprising a sample inlet in fluidcommunication with the drilling fluid stream, wherein the drilling fluidflows from the drilling fluid stream into the sample inlet and into thesample chamber; b. means for agitating and creating a vortex in thedrilling fluid disposed in the sample chamber or formed by the samplechamber, wherein the means for agitating and creating a vortex forms aliberated fluid from the drilling fluid; c. a gas capturing chamber inselective fluid communication with the sample chamber for directlyreceiving the liberated fluid from the sample chamber during agitationof the drilling fluid, wherein the gas capturing chamber flows theliberated fluid at a lower pressure than the drilling fluid; d. a gasanalyzer in fluid communication with the gas capturing chamber, whereinthe gas analyzer is configured to provide real-time gas speciation ofthe liberated fluid in concentrations; e. a suction pump in fluidcommunication with the gas analyzer for pulling the liberated fluid fromthe sample chamber and into the gas analyzer; and f. a filtration meansfor treatment of the liberated fluid in fluid communication between thegas capturing chamber and the gas analyzer.
 2. The gas trap with the gasanalyzer system of claim 1, wherein the gases in the drilling fluid area member of a group consisting of: methane, ethane, propane, isobutane,butane, pentane, isopentane, neopentane, carbon dioxide, carbonmonoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and combinations thereof. 3.The gas trap with the gas analyzer system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a. an exhaust port on the gas analyzer for releasing ananalyzed fluid therefrom; and b. an exhaust line on the gas capturingchamber for flowing a non-analyzed fluid from the gas capturing chamberto a drilling fluid storage chamber or to the drilling fluid stream. 4.The gas trap with the gas analyzer system of claim 3, further comprisinga venturi nozzle in the exhaust line for flowing the non-analyzed fluidfrom the gas capturing chamber to the drilling fluid storage chamber orthe drilling fluid stream.
 5. The gas trap with the gas analyzer systemof claim 1, further comprising a second gas analyzer in communicationwith a motorized gas analyzer system configured for remote control forreal-time measurement of the concentration of the gases in the drillingfluid, wherein the motorized gas analyzer system is in communicationwith a network.
 6. The gas trap with the gas analyzer system of claim 1,wherein the means for agitating and creating a vortex is housed in anexplosion-proof housing.
 7. The gas trap with the gas analyzer system ofclaim 1, wherein the filtration means comprises a cooler/dryerconfigured to refrigerate the liberated fluid and cause condensed liquidto drop out from the liberated fluid.
 8. The gas trap with the gasanalyzer system claim 7, wherein the cooler/dryer comprises: a. ahousing with an inlet for receiving the liberated fluid from the samplechamber; b. a cooling coil connected to the inlet, allowing theliberated fluid to enter the cooling coil and cool while the liberatedfluid passes therethrough to a drop out chamber, wherein the drop outchamber receives the liberated fluid and condensed liquid; and c. a drygas out configured to allow the liberated fluid to pass from the dropout chamber to the gas analyzer.
 9. The gas trap with the gas analyzersystem of claim 8, further comprising a maintenance valve arrangement influid communication with the cooling coil, wherein the maintenance valvearrangement is openable to allow the liberated fluid to flow via a firstflow path and the condensed liquid to collect in the drop out chamber,wherein the maintenance valve arrangement is closable to allow theliberated fluid to flow via a second flow path to bypass the drop outchamber, and wherein the drop out chamber comprises a drain valve fordraining the condensed liquid and an air valve for allowing draining ofthe condensed liquid by receiving ambient or pressurized air.
 10. Thegas trap with the gas analyzer system of claim 1, wherein the means foragitating and creating a vortex comprises a motor partially insertedinto an agitator shaft, wherein the agitator shaft comprises blades. 11.The gas trap with the gas analyzer system of claim 10, wherein: a. theblades are arranged in pairs, and wherein each pair is offset fromadjacent pairs; b. the blades are arranged in a crow's footconfiguration; or c. the blades are arranged in a pitchforkconfiguration.
 12. The gas trap with the gas analyzer system of claim10, wherein each blade is a rubber or metal cylinder, and wherein theagitator shaft further comprises an inner chamber for receiving aportion of the motor.
 13. The gas trap with the gas analyzer system ofclaim 1, further comprising a semipermeable membrane disposed betweenthe suction pump and the gas capturing chamber to provide additionalfiltering before the liberated fluid reaches the gas analyzer.
 14. Thegas trap with the gas analyzer system of claim 1, further comprising: a.a controller in communication with the gas analyzer, wherein thecontroller comprises: (i) a processor in communication with a datastorage, wherein the data storage comprises a non-transitory computerreadable medium; (ii) computer instructions in the data storage tocompare measured gas values in the gas analyzer to preset limits storedin the data storage; (iii) computer instructions in the data storage totransmit compared gas values from the controller to a client device overa network; and (iv) computer instructions in the data storage toremotely operate the gas analyzer using the controller; and b. a powersupply in communication with the controller, the gas analyzer, and thesuction pump.
 15. The gas trap with the gas analyzer system of claim 14,wherein the network is a satellite network, another global communicationnetwork, the internet, a cellular network, combinations of local areanetworks, combinations of wide area networks, other digital or analognetworks, or combinations thereof.
 16. The gas trap with the gasanalyzer system of claim 14, wherein the controller further comprises:an up/down button for communicating with a motorized lifting deviceattached to the sample chamber to raise and lower the sample chamber andensure that the drilling fluid in the sample chamber is at a level thatensures liberation of the gases therefrom.
 17. The gas trap with the gasanalyzer system of claim 14, wherein the controller is housed in abullet-proof and water-tight housing.
 18. The gas trap with the gasanalyzer system of claim 14, wherein the data storage comprising thenon-transitory computer readable medium further comprises: a. computerinstructions to turn on and off the gas analyzer; b. computerinstructions to initiate a gas analysis test with a sample of theliberated fluid from the sample chamber to provide the real-time gasspeciation; c. computer instructions to initiate a leak/integrity testto provide an instrument check by injecting a small amount of anon-combustible detectable hydrocarbon gas at a low rate of flow intothe sample chamber to determine if a predetermined value from the gasanalyzer is achieved for verifying integrity of the gas analyzer systemincluding an absence of leaks in the gas analyzer system; d. computerinstructions to calibrate the gas analyzer to zero or span; e. computerinstructions to override operation of the gas analyzer via thecontroller; f. computer instructions to change units of measurement ofthe gas analyzer; g. computer instructions to control sample flow intothe gas analyzer using measured flow rates, and to compare the measuredflow rates to preset limits; h. computer instructions to configure thecontroller to enable or disable a satellite communication when asatellite communication on/off button is actuated; i. computerinstructions to configure the controller to enable or disable acommunication to a local area network when a local area network on/offbutton is actuated; and j. computer instructions to configure thecontroller to enable or disable a rig communication when a communicationon/off button is actuated.
 19. The gas trap with the gas analyzer systemof claim 14, further comprising computer instructions stored in anon-transitory computer readable medium in the client device toconfigure the client device to communicate with the controller forsimultaneous monitoring and controlling thereof.
 20. The gas trap withthe gas analyzer system of claim 14, further comprising a motorized gasanalyzer system configured for remote control real-time measuring of theconcentration of the gases in the drilling fluid, wherein the motorizedgas analyzer system is in communication with the controller.
 21. The gastrap with the gas analyzer system of claim 14, further comprisingcomputer instructions in the data storage comprising the non-transitorycomputer readable medium for providing an alarm to the client devicewhen the measured gas values exceed the preset limits.
 22. The gas trapwith the gas analyzer system of claim 14, further comprising a sensordisposed adjacent the sample inlet and in communication with thecontroller, wherein the data storage comprising the non-transitorycomputer readable medium further comprises computer instructions toreceive sensor values, compare the sensor values to preset limits, andprovide an automated shut down of the gas analyzer system when thesensor values exceed the preset limits by closing a valve for closingoff the sample chamber upon command.
 23. The gas trap with the gasanalyzer system of claim 14, further comprising a remote controllercomprising: a. a remote control processor; b. a transceiver incommunication with the remote control processor and the controller; c. aremote control power supply; and d. buttons on the remote controllerconfigured to communicate with the controller via the transceiver forexecuting the computer instructions in the data storage comprising thenon-transitory computer readable medium of the controller.
 24. The gastrap with the gas analyzer system of claim 23, wherein the buttonscomprise: a. a remote on/off button configured to turn on and off theremote control; b. an on/off button configured to initiate operation ofthe means for agitating and creating a vortex; c. an on/off gas analyzerbutton for turning the gas analyzer on and off; d. a start gas analysisbutton for initiating the real-time gas speciation; e. a startleak/integrity test button for initiating a leak integrity test; f. astart calibration to zero button for initiating calibration of the gasanalyzer at zero; g. a start calibration to span button for initiatingcalibration of the gas analyzer to span; h. a safety override button forclosing one or more valves; i. a change output units of measure buttonfor changing units of measurement of the gas analyzer; j. a controlsample flow button for closing one or more valves; k. a satellitecommunication on/off button for enabling or disabling a satellitecommunication; l. a local area network on/off button for enabling ordisabling communication with a local area network; and m. acommunication on/off button for enabling or disabling a rigcommunication.
 25. The gas trap with the gas analyzer system of claim24, wherein the transceiver is an infrared communication device, aclient server device, a cellular communication device, a radio frequencycommunication device, or an internet based communication device.
 26. Thegas trap with the gas analyzer system of claim 14, further comprising afluid level sensor in communication with the controller for sensing whenthe drilling fluid rises above a preset limit adjacent the filtrationmeans and for transmitting sensed fluid level values to the controller,wherein the controller further comprises computer instructions in thedata storage comprising the non-transitory computer readable medium toprevent the drilling fluid from entering the gas analyzer when thesensed fluid level values exceed the preset limit by shutting an ambientair valve.
 27. The gas trap with the gas analyzer system of claim 14,wherein the client device is simultaneously provided with graphicalrepresentations, digital representations, or combinations thereof ofhistorical data, updated real-time measurements, or combinations thereoffrom the gas analyzer system.
 28. The gas trap with the gas analyzersystem of claim 14, further comprising a rig server connected with adrilling rig and in communication with the controller.
 29. The gas trapwith the gas analyzer system of claim 14, further comprising a valveconnected to the controller for closing off the sample chamber uponcommand.
 30. The gas trap with the gas analyzer system of claim 1,wherein: a. the gas analyzer system is a non-motorized gas analyzersystem; or b. the gas analyzer system a motorized gas analyzer system,wherein the means for agitating and creating a vortex comprises: (i) amotor connected with an agitator shaft; (ii) a spout in fluidcommunication with the sample chamber; (iii) a ballast tank underpositive pressure for regulating a fluid level in the sample chamber;and (iv) a lifting device attached to the sample chamber to raise andlower the sample chamber.